When I was in college, I had a haircutting accident that resulted in me having to shave my head. It was so comfortable and easy to maintain that I kept myself bald for about a year and a half. I learned quite a bit about the buzzing process and scalp care in that time.

Before you do this, make sure you don't have any embarassing birthmarks or an oddly shaped head. Also, try not to do this if it will get you fired, thrown out of your house or beaten up. You will also be mistaken for a cancer patient fairly often especially if you are a woman. I was also mistaken for a man once, which led to an irritating incident with WalMart security in the women's bathroom.

A partner is very useful in making head-shaving a safe and painless process. The first time you shave your head, use sharp barber scissors to get your hair as short as you can first. Maintain your scissors. Oil them and keep them in a safe place and use them only on your head. If you nick the blade, it will hurt you when you're doing delicate trimming.

Once you're roughly shorn down (to less than half an inch long if possible), you're ready for the electric hair clippers. I bought mine at WalMart. They don't have to be expensive but you want ones with a relatively reliable brand name that are good and sturdy. Oil the end of the clippers with the oil that should have come with them. Alternately, use mineral oil or even olive oil. Make sure the clipper tips are lubed but not slippery.

Have your partner shave your head for you, gently and slowly. Or do it yourself. Some people are good at that. I'm not one of them. A second mirror hanging at an angle behind your head will do wonders to let you see the back of your own head when you're buzzing yourself. Go with the grain of your hair at first to get any of the longer hairs that you may have left and to avoid yanking it out painfully with the clippers. Check the clippers for lubrication and oil again if needed. Then reverse your approach and shave against the growth of your hair to get as close a shave as possible. Make sure you've gotten the part behind your ears.

Once you think you're finished, have a shower or rinse your head off well. Then check to see if you missed any spots. If you did, shave them again. Try not to take too long with the whole process because the clippers get quite warm at the ends and the vibrations may make your arm feel weak if you take too long. When you've gotten your whole head, get someone to take a regular razor and shave off all the tiny hairs at the back of your neck that will be looking very obvious.

Maintenance is simple: wash your head as usual but with only a tiny little bit of shampoo. I still used conditioner to keep my head from drying out, and occasionally I used moisturizer on my scalp when it felt dry. You will need to do a touchup of your shave every two weeks or so, or more often if your hair grows fast. Also, I've been told that some people need to sleep with a hat on for the first few nights after they've shaved or they get sick.

Above all, have fun and appreciate how little time it takes to maintain in the mornings!

Author unknown. Content originally found at the now defunct website, Bottle of Rain.